MAX THE AXE – Oktoberfest Cheer (2021 EP)
Pandemics suck, but last year Max the Axe began working on a remedy. Three new songs — one cover, two originals — and a new EP called Oktoberfest Cheer! With this year’s Bavarian festival just around the corner, Max is ready to rock your beerhallen. It’s the second release with the same lineup: Mike Koutis (Max the Axe) – lead guitar, Eric Litwiller (Uncle Meat) – lead vocals, Mike Mitchell – lead bass and Dr. Dave Haslam — lead drums. It’s a much more punk rock affair than the last album Status Electric. Perhaps it’s even a concept record about intoxication!
Opening with the original “Pygmy Blow Dart”, Max sounds like Queens of the Stone Age jonesing for a smoke. Litwiller is in full Homme mode with the groove of the Axe behind him. “I think I’m going downtown, looking for some dope.” Ah, the quaint pre-legalization setting! By the end, the band is in a singalong, looking for some smoke. “Round and round, and round and round…” Hey guys…check the local dispensary! There’s one on every corner now. Great bass solo in the middle, right before Max rips on the six string. Fans of the last album will love it.
The Black Flag cover “Thirsty and Miserable” is outstanding, full-on punkfied Max. Definitely some influence from Lemmy’s version of “Thirsty and Miserable” too. This track kicks and Litwiller sounds legit. They could play it two or three times in a row and you wouldn’t get bored.
Finally the punk-inflected EP ends with the title track “Oktoberfest Cheer!”, a song destined to be a seasonal hit. Feather in cap, beer on tap…October is here so raise up that beer! You can picture the festhallen going mad for this October anthem. This is the clear hit, frantic and haggard as it may be. Adorned with festive accordion, it’s punk rock unlike any other. You can play it year after year…or in August. Don’t crush my smokes, don’t spill my beer!
The great thing about this EP is that it’s under 10 minutes in true punk fashion and perfect for repeat plays.
Kitchener knows.
5/5 stars
mikeladano.com 
I’ve been looking forward to this.
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I’ll make sure you get yours.
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Thanks, but there’s no rush. I’ve got the rough mixes.
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Finally!!! Been curious about this one. Glad it is finally seeing the light of day!!
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Yep it’s out. I’ll make sure you get your copy.
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Cool. Thanks.
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I’d like to hear this.
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I can arrange that. I had a copy of his last CD for you but I don’t think you responded to my message. Can’t remember how that went.
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Was it on Facebook?
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Yeah back in 2019 I think. No worries I should be able to get a couple good Max CDs to send you this time. I need to pick them up, and get my shit together.
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Thank you, that’s most kind of you. Do you have my address?
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I do not, but when I get the CDs and get my stuff together, I’ll message you!
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Great! I shall await you.
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I will not read this until I’ve heard it myself. Wish the email had worked alas.
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Wait you didn’t get the tracks? I will resend.
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Thanks! I got tracks 2 and 3. Was track 1 not required?
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I’ll resend
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Oh! Thanks!
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Got it! Thanks so much! Review incoming!
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